More programs needed – what about the other half day? July 15, 2008
Posted by kindergartenwatch in Resources.Tags: after school programs, agencies, all-day kindergarten, before school programs, childcare, community, half-day kindergarten, kindergarten, schedules, stress
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There are few private or community programs that synch with half-day kindergarten schedules in most districts. This makes it challenging for working parents to find care for the other half-day, especially if extended family does not live in the area.
Some before/after-school programs don’t offer a half-day option. Some don’t serve, or at least pick up, 5-year-olds. Many have waiting lists. Some are outside of the budgets of many working parents. Some districts don’t inform parents whether their child is in morning or afternoon kindergarten until shortly before school starts, making it hard to plan care in advance.
It’s also a tall order to fit around the schedules every day of the week, especially when you throw in an altered schedule one day a week for many districts. This occurs when kids are either let our early or arrive late to enable career development for teachers.
Washington State Kindergarten Watch 
